Man City must be perfect to win Premier League, says Guardiola

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola reacts prior to the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 20, 2022. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) /

Manchester City will need to win all six of their remaining Premier League games to retain the title, according to manager Pep Guardiola as he cannot see Liverpool slipping up before the end of the season.

City edged back one point ahead of the Reds in the title race as second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva earned a 3-0 win over Brighton at the Etihad.

Liverpool had gone top with a 4-0 annihilation of Manchester United on Tuesday and Guardiola was gushing about the performance of Jurgen Klopp’s men.

“We are facing one of the best teams ever. They have everything and that is why being there with them means a lot,” said Guardiola.

“It’s simple. Liverpool are going to win all the games. If we drop points they will be champions, if we win all our games we will be champions.”

City have experience of holding their nerve in a tight title race as they won their final 14 games three seasons ago to pip Liverpool by a point to win the league.

Guardiola showed his priorities lie with the Premier League and Champions League after leaving out a number of key players for a 3-2 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

Kevin De Bruyne was one of those restored after being rested as a precaution over an ankle injury.

“When the people talk about my magnificent selection for the FA Cup it is for this (injuries),” added Guardiola. “I didn’t want to take a risk because the Premier League is so important.”

Brighton had won on the road at Arsenal and